Town extends partnership with Destination Osoyoos

The town will continue to use Destination Osoyoos (DO) as its main local and regional tourism marketer for at least the next three years.

Council on Monday approved signing the three-year contract renewal along with the regional district and Nk’Mip Resort. The town will contribute $76,000 a year to the total of about $100,000.

The previous contract lapsed at the end of 2015, but agreeing on the new one was delayed by changes in staff and the board of directors at DO.

Councillor CJ Rhodes noted that the way in which DO had responded to concerns from the town was “a huge improvement” over how things were handled in the past.

Richter lands released from ALR

The Agricultural Land Commission has agreed to release the so-called Richter Properties from the land reserve, clearing the way for the proposed housing development recently approved by council.

Chief administrative officer Barry Romanko told council of the decision, adding that there are no conditions attached to the release.

The 28-home subdivision is planned for the former orchard west of Highway 97 between the new fire hall and the small residential enclave on Wren Place.

Romanko said the project is proceeding apace with work currently being done on engineering drawings.

Council wants to meet with the premier

Town councillors on Monday added Premier Christy Clark to the list of ministers they aim to lobby at the annual Union of BC Municipalities convention in September.

Mayor Sue McKortoff said council would like to sit down with the premier to discuss the recent high school closure crisis and the provincial government’s plans around a national park.

Council also wants to speak with Finance Minister Michael de Jong regarding the Resort Municipalities Initiative; the town receives about $400,000 annually from the province because of its designation as one of the provinces 14 resort municipalities.

As well, councillors want meetings with Education Minister Mike Bernier to discuss the school closure issue and with Transportation Minister Todd Stone about limiting advertising signs along Highway 97 between Oliver and the US border.